Dodgers News: Yasmani Grandal Still Dealing With Sore Shoulder

With three days off in the span of a week, it came as a bit of a surprise that Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Yasmani Grandal was not in the starting lineup on Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds, even with a left-hander on the mound.

But there was the starting lineup and Grandal was not there, leaving A.J. Ellis to be behind the plate for the series opener. After a slow start to the season, Ellis has been a capable backup with a .305 batting average and .446 on-base percentage since June 1. However, he does not bring the power and overall presence at the plate that Grandal can bring and that’s why the younger catcher has been the primary guy.

Grandal is sitting at .275/.383/.471 with 15 home runs and 44 RBIs in 94 games this season after being acquired in the trade that sent Matt Kemp to the San Diego Padres. He was an All-Star for the first time and has worked well with the Dodgers pitching staff.

The Dodgers need him healthy and back in the lineup for the final month of the season.

About The Author

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.